Hackers Demand Bitcoin (BTC) or Threaten to Expose the Truth of 9/11

A somewhat bizarre but serious hacker group called “The Dark Overlord” has made some pretty bold claims regarding the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, USA.

The group claims to have 18,000 “confidential, classified and secret” documents obtained subversively from various U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and TSA, and are demanding a ransom paid in Bitcoin to keep the data under wraps. Allegedly, the documents contain sensitive details related to insurance data and litigation which could presumably reveal what they believe to be the “true story” about what really happened on that fateful day.

Since the world-famous terrorist attacks occurred over 17 years ago, there has been a never-ending drive by conspiracy groups to reveal what they believe to be a government cover-up of the real events. Some even claim the devastating event was an inside job and go so far as to accuse the U.S. government of perpetrating the attack.

Initial documents released

So far the hacker group has already released three files as a way to prove its claims are not frivolous and made the 10GB encrypted file available to download ahead of releasing the encryption key. Documents are said to have been obtained not only from government agencies but also various insurance companies including Lloyds of London, Hiscox and Silverstein Properties – the company that owned the World Trade Centre complex.

The group aren’t asking for payment from any specific, individual party but rather “anybody” the documents may interest – including terrorist groups, enemies of the U.S. and anyone who may be named in the documents. It is believed that some of the data could have been obtained earlier this year when Hiscox confirmed a hack that involved the theft of documents that could potentially expose its commercial policyholders in the U.S.

In one demand letter, the group threatened:

“Pay the fuck up, or we’re going to bury you with this. If you continue to fail us, we’ll escalate these releases by releasing the keys.”

While government agencies may wish to keep the information contained for security reasons, it’s unlikely to change the minds of those who believe the official 9/11 narrative. As history has shown, facts and evidence are often the least important aspects that humans consider when forming opinions about emotional events.

Bitcoin continues to be used by hackers and criminals despite numerous cases revealing how it lacks true anonymity and is relatively easy to track when compared with other, more private cryptocurrencies.